Sagittaria pusilla

Species description

Care, breeding and tankmates

Plant profile

Placement

Midground

Ideal for the foreground or midground due to its relatively short stature. Plant individual plantlets an inch or two apart to allow room for runners to fill the gaps. It creates a beautiful grassy carpet when allowed to spread.

Botanical form

Rosette

Forms small rosettes of bright green, ribbon-like leaves. It is generally shorter and more compact than S. subulata, although distinguishing between the two can sometimes be difficult. The leaves are soft and flexible, swaying gently in the current.

Growth

Medium

Features a moderate to fast growth rate, especially once acclimated to the aquarium. It quickly sends out runners to colonize open substrate. In low light, it may grow slightly taller as it reaches for the light source.

Substrate

High

Column fertilization

Recommended

Can survive on fish waste and minimal water column dosing in low-tech setups. Light dosing of a comprehensive fertilizer helps maintain its vibrant green color. Excessive water column nutrients without balanced CO2 can lead to algae on its leaves.

Root fertilization

None

Root feeding is highly beneficial and encourages the production of runners. Root tabs or a nutrient-rich aquasoil will yield the best results for carpet formation. It develops a surprisingly deep root system for its size.

Trimming

Occasional

Requires very little maintenance. Simply pinch off any yellowing or decaying leaves at the base. To maintain boundaries, trim the runners that spread beyond the desired area.

Propagation

Runners

Propagates very easily through runners. It will naturally form a dense mat over time as plantlets spread. You can easily cut a runner to transplant a plantlet to a new location.

Sensitivity

Moderate

Highly adaptable and robust, suitable for beginners and low-tech tanks. It tolerates varying water hardness and temperatures well. Iron deficiency may present as pale or yellowish new leaves.

Layout role

Midground, Foreground

Perfect for creating a natural, grassy foreground meadow. It blends seamlessly with hardscape materials like rocks and driftwood. Provides an excellent grazing and hiding area for shrimp and bottom-dwelling fish.